Looking for the latest genomics news? You’re in the right place – check out the latest Week in Brief below.
New research has explored the fundamental ways in which our cells and genes operate….
A new study has revealed that ‘gene misbehaviour’ – characterised by genes being active when they are not supposed to be – is common in healthy cells. The researchers involved in the work also pinned down some mechanisms behind this phenomenon (American Journal of Human Genetics).
A study investigating X chromosome inactivation (XCI) has revealed that certain organs may be biased towards using either the maternal or paternal X chromosome. This goes against the previous belief that XCI was a random process (Nature Genetics).
There has been news in the drug discovery world…
A new antibiotic class, which targets two key bacterial mechanisms, could be immune to the effects of antibiotic resistance. This is because it is highly unlikely that the microbes would acquire mutations that impact both modes of action (Nature Chemical Biology).
Researchers have developed ‘smart’ CRISPR guide RNAs that can be programmed to regulate gene expression in a more ‘logical’ manner, allowing precise control of gene networks (Nucleic Acids Research).
A novel gene therapy has improved strength and muscle function in mice with muscular dystrophy. The new technique could form the basis of human therapies (Nature Communications).
An experimental drug, originally developed to treat cancer, has been seen to clear SIV in the brains of non-human primates. These findings could be pivotal in the development of therapies to treat HIV (Brain).
Scientists have revealed new links between genes and disease…
Two genetic markers have been identified that are linked to the risk of second or subsequent strokes and other major cardiovascular events, but not to initial strokes. This information points to new avenues to treat and prevent stroke recurrence (Stroke).
Researchers have published the most extensive single-cell atlas of the human kidney, using both healthy and diseased cells (Nature Genetics).
What else has gone on this week?
Scientists have developed a rapid assay to assess the infectivity of viral samples. This method is quicker than the current standard – cell cultures – meaning responses to emerging viruses could be more efficient (Biomacromolecules).
You won’t forget this one! A new study has shown that epigenetic changes in neurons play a key role in memory encoding (Science).
Women who have been diagnosed with, and treated for, hereditary forms of ovarian cancer are subsequently at a lower risk for breast cancer, according to a new study (Genetics in Medicine).
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straight from the lab